EFT in Biochemistry Papers

This area represents the clinical research on EFT in biochemistry papers. Where the paper is available free of charge in an open access journal, you can download it and use freely (on website, social media, newsletters). If it is behind a pay wall, you can freely share the abstract and reference but cannot share the full article, due to copyright.

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Stress Biochemistry: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Reexamining the Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Stress Biochemistry: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: In a direct replication of Church, Yount, and Brooks (2012), this study examined changes in stress biochemistry and psychological distress symptoms in 53 participants randomly allocated to one of three 60-min group interventions: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), psychoeducation (PE), and no treatment (NT). The Symptom Assessment-45 (SA-45) was used to assess psychological distress symptoms.

Method: Salivary cortisol assays were administered 30 min pre- and postintervention to test cortisol levels. The original study by Church et al. indicated the EFT group showed statistically significant improvements in anxiety (-58.34%, p < .05), depression (-49.33%, p < .002), overall severity of symptoms (-50.5%, p < .001), and symptom breadth (-41.93%, p < .001). The group also experienced a significant decrease in cortisol (-24.39%) compared to the PE group (-14.25%) and NT group (-14.44%).

Results: The present results indicated the EFT group experienced a significant decrease in cortisol greater than the original study (-43.24%, p < .05), but these results were not mirrored by subjective reports of psychological distress. The EFT group reduction in cortisol was significantly different from that of the PE group (-19.67%), and as expected, the posttreatment cortisol level detected among the EFT group was lower than that of the NT group (2.02%); however, there was not a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Additionally, there were no significant improvements in cortisol reduction among the NT and PE groups.

Conclusions: Findings support the original study indicating EFT to be an efficient and effective brief treatment for reducing biological markers of stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P., O’Neill, H. M., Sabot, D., & Crighton, G. (2020). Reexamining the effect of emotional freedom techniques on stress biochemistry: A randomized controlled trial. Psychological Trauma, 12(8), 869–877. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000563

Direct link: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ftra0000563

Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health

Physiological Mechanisms of Energy Psychology Treatments: An Updated Synthesis

Abstract

Background: Energy psychology encompasses a range of treatments that utilize somatic interventions to promote psychological change by influencing the body’s electromagnetic signaling systems. The most popular and systematically investigated of these modalities is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). The distinctive feature of the approach is the stimulation of acupuncture points (acupoints) by having the client tap on them while simultaneously using words and imagery that evoke clinically relevant memories, emotions, and cognitions. Strong outcomes using the approach have been documented in more than 200 peer-reviewed clinical trials. While tapping on the body to heal emotional trauma or to change longstanding behavioral patterns is an unconventional approach, this growing body of efficacy evidence warrants scrutiny into potential mechanisms of action.

Methods:While speculation about how the procedures involved in energy psychology protocols produce strong outcomes has taken many directions, areas of consensus have been emerging in relation to the physiological mechanisms underlying the approach.This paper synthesizes current literature to identify these probable physiological mechanisms.

Results:Seven empirically supported premises that provide insight into the physiological mechanisms were derived from the peer-reviewed energy psychology literature with supportive material drawn from pertinent publications in psychology, physiology, and neurology:

Biological markers demonstrating clinical improvements consistently follow acupoint tapping sessions.
Tapping on an acupoint generates electromagnetic signals
These signals are transmitted via afferent nerves and connective tissue to the brain.
The signals reach brain regions that are activated by the words, thoughts, memories, and images paired with the tapping.
The signals upregulate or downregulate clinically relevant brain regions, promoting homeostasis, balance, and adaptive behavior.
This process aligns with the mechanisms of memory reconsolidation, explaining durable cognitive and behavioral shifts.
Tapping on acupuncture points during imaginal exposure makes imaginal exposure more effective.

Conclusion: While further research is needed, the existing literature offers plausible physiological explanations for the documented positive mental health outcomes following the application of acupoint tapping protocols.

Citation (APA Style): Feinstein, D. (2025). Physiological mechanisms of energy psychology: An updated synthesis. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 17. https://doi.org/10.9769/EP.2025.17.1.DF

Direct link: https://energypsychologyjournal.org/physiological-mechanisms-of-energy-psychology-treatments-an-updated-synthesis/

How Tapping into “Energy” Can Trigger a Paradigm Shift in Biomedicine

Return to Research Page